Rolwaling Valley Trek, below Gaurishankar and off the beaten trail, 20 Days

Rolwaling Valley Trek is a high mountain valley trek which lies across the western border of the Khumbu region. The name Rolwaling means ‘valley carved by a plow’ and its steep cliffs do indeed give the impression of a plow-carved furrow. The alpine lakes, high pastures, waterfalls, hanging glaciers, and the views of the snowcapped mountains in the backdrop make this trek a treat for those trekkers who seek for an off the beaten track adventure.

Rolwaling Valley Trek starts with your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, from where you drive to Barabise following Araniko Highway. The drive from Kathmandu to Barabise is filled with beautiful sceneries of rural settlements and exciting landscapes. The trail takes you past rhododendron and magnolia forests, traditional villages, farmlands, and small passes. Many settlements with mixed ethnicities are reached during the trek, including the largest village in Rolwaling Valley—Beding. You climb through summer pastures to the village of Na, one of the oldest villages in Rolwaling, situated below the enchanting Tsho Rolpa Lake. Tsho Rolpa Lake is one of the biggest glacial lakes and is located on the base of Chobuje (6686m). There are several monasteries in this trekking route which reflects the values of Tibetan Buddhism. This region is also quite famous for its ancient stories passed from one generation to another, one of such stories being the sighting of the infamous Yeti. One of the highlights of this trek is the view of Gaurishankar Himal (7134m) which dominates the skyline of Rolwaling Valley. Rolwaling Valley Trek is an ideal trek for anyone looking for a solitary trek amid pristine nature and is willing to expose oneself to the diverse culture of the foothills of the Himalayas.

Swiss Family Treks and Expedition is a leading travel company in Nepal having served our clients from all over the world for last 15 years. We take excellent care of your transportation, accommodation, permits, and other travel necessities. With our remarkable team of the guide, porters, and cooks you are guaranteed to enjoy your trekking in Nepal.

Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
The trip begins with your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Our company representative will welcome you at the airport and then transfer you to a 3-star hotel for the overnight stay.

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Barabise 960m,
Take a scenic drive towards the Bhote Koshi valley and arrive in the large village of Barabise. There is a market situated 10km from the border of Tibet. Due to the closeness with the Tibetan border, the market here is greatly influenced by Chinese products. Overnight in Barabise.

Day 3: Trek from Barabise to Kavre 1605m,
You start the trek with a steep climb and make your way through the rice and mustard fields. In a few hours, you arrive at a ridge which provides you a nice view of Sun Koshi River. Along the ridge, you can witness gorgeous landscape as you ascend. Continue the trek further through the forest to reach Kavre. Overnight in Kavre.

Day 4: Trek from Kavre to Dolongsa 1900m,
Follow the path through some small farms and terraced fields, and make your way through a small forest. You then make a gradual climb ahead and cross many streams on the way to Dolongsa. The village of Dolongsa is small in area and consists mostly of the Sherpa people. Overnight in Dolongsa.

Day 5: Trek from Dolongsa to Bigu Gompa 2519m,
Start the trek with a steep climb and pass a monastery on the way. Then you make a steep climb to a pass which provides you with great views of various snow-capped peaks, including Gaurishankar (7134m). Then you walk through the forest and reach Bigu Gompa. Bigu Gompa is a large nunnery housing around 70 nuns studying Buddhism. Overnight in Bigu Gompa.

Day 6: Trek from Bigu Gompa to Chilangka 1407m,
Today you make a long descend through the terraced fields and arrive at Sangwa Khola. Cross the bridge over the river and make a gradual climb to Chilangka via Lading. The campsite is quiet and provides you the views of the terraced hillside along with the emerging peaks of the Rolwaling Himal range. Overnight in Chilangka.

Day 7: Trek from Chilangka to Bulong 1890m,
You head east above Sangwa Khola and cross several tributaries to arrive in Chautara. Chautara is well decorated with Buddhist paintings. The trek forward leads you to the winding trail over the corner of Gyalsung Danda (ridge) situated above the river, from where you make a steep descend to Bulong. Overnight in Bulong.

Day 8: Trek from Kulong to Shalu 1500m,
It is a pleasant day of trekking today as the trail is fairly easy. The trail goes through a lush forest composed of various floras and is dotted with small villages en route. Walk downhill to reach Tama Koshi River and then make your way to the village of Jagat. From here, it is an easy walk upstream to the campsite in Shalu, which hosts an amazing view of Yalung Ri (5630m).

Day 9: Trek from Shalu to Simigaon 2000m,
Today’s trek begins with an easy walk along the Tama Koshi River until we cross the river and ascend towards Gonggar Monastery. From here, it is a very steep climb via Kartung to reach Simigoan. You camp beside a Gompa, situated above the main village, which provides you the picturesque panorama of Mt. Gaurishankar (7134m). Overnight in Simigaon.

Day 10: Trek from Simigaon to Forest Camp 2800m,
You walk on the gradual uphill slope and pass through the thick rhododendron and magnolia forests. Walk continuously above the hillside and then descend to the river passing the huts in an area called Gyalche. After reaching the valley floor, you cross a bridge and arrive at Forest camp, which is a clearing in the dense forest of the steep valley. Enjoy the stunning view of Gaurishankar (7134m) seen from the camp. Overnight in Forest Camp.

Day 11: Trek from Forest Camp to Beding 3694m,
Cross Rolwaling Khola and follow the path which leads you through the jungles on the northern side with the continuous views of Gaurishankar Himal (7134m). Make a gradual climb and then pass through the little settlements and farmlands before reaching Beding. This is one of the prime Sherpa villages in the Rolwaling valley. Overnight in Beding.

Day 12: Explore to Yalung Ri Base Camp 4750m,
After breakfast, you hike towards Yalung Ri Base Camp. The trail is steep and rocky, so you will need to climb steadily after you pass the valley floor. From the base camp, you can get the views of Yalung Glacier, Ramdung Peak (5925m), and Yalung Ri (5630m). After exploring the base camp, you head back to Beding for the overnight stay.

Day 13: Trek from Beding to Na 4180m,
It will be a short trek today from Beding to Na Gaon. You walk alongside Rowaling River and then climb through the ridge while enjoying the views of the alpine landscapes and snowcapped mountains. Continue the walk slowly, in order to acclimatize. Just before reaching Na Gaon, the valley opens out in U shape to take you to one of the oldest settlements in the Rolwaling valley. Overnight in Na Gaon.

Day 14: Explore to Tsho Rolpa Lake
More than 2 hours of walk from Na Gaon and you finally reach the turquoise Tsho Rolpa Lake. The beautiful calm water, with the reflection of the blue sky and the snowcapped mountains, is bound to take your breath away. Explore the lake and then retrace your steps back to Na Gaon. Overnight in Na Gaon.

Day 15: Trek from Na to Forest Camp 2800m,
Today you retrace your footsteps back to the beautiful Forest Camp following the trails of Rolwaling River. Passing Beding and other small settlements while enjoying the views of Gaurishankar Himal (7134m), you descend towards Forest Camp. You can explore the forest and observe the flora and fauna of the region as you make your way to Forest Camp. Overnight in Forest Camp.

Day 16: Trek from Forest Camp to Chetchet 1370m,
You leave Forest Camp and head towards Chetchet today. Take a different route down the forest towards Simigaon, walking under the shade of Gaurishankar Himal (7134m). Then descend alongside Tama Koshi River on a steep trail to reach Chetchet. Overnight in Chetchet.

Day 17: Trek from Chetchet to Suri Dobhan (1030m),
As you leave Chetchet, you cross a suspension bridge over the Tama Koshi River and follow the river all the way to the Tamang village of Suri Dobhan. You make a gradual descend through the forest of rhododendron and orchids relishing the pleasing landscape throughout the way until you reach Suri Dobhan. Overnight in Suri Dobhan.

Day 18: Trek from Suri Dobhan to Dolakha 1732m,
Today is the last day of trekking. You continue to trek along Tama Koshi River through the forest to reach Dolakha. You descend past many small settlements with mixed ethnicity to reach the town of Dolakha. Upon arrival, you can visit the famous Dolakha Bhimsen Temple in the evening. Overnight in Dolakha.

Day 19: Drive from Dolakha to Kathmandu by private land cruiser and transfer to hotel.
Today a private land cruiser will take you to Kathmandu from Dolakha via Araniko Highway. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, and during your free time, you can do some shopping or just relax in one of the bars in Thamel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 20: Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, our company representative drives you to the airport to connect you with your flight back home.

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition Gmbh. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Our Trek Package Cost doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.

Rolwaling Valley Trek, below Gaurishankar and off the beaten trail, 20 Days

Grades Explanation

Grade (Easy)

Easy trekking by Himalayan standards is generally up to 2000m. There are plenty of ups and downs on well-maintained trails. This type of trip is best suited for those who lead a reasonably active life. The trek takes about 3 to 7 days, walking about 4 to 5 hours a day.

Grade (Moderate )

This involves longer treks (five to ten days) on maintained trails. This type of trek includes day excursions to higher elevations, for which it's advisable to have some previous hill- walking experience. On these treks, we generally achieve an altitude between 900m to 3000m.

Grade (Moderate to strenuous)

A reasonably demanding trek at an altitude up to 4000m with side trips to higher elevations. The trails are sometimes uncharted and away from inhabited areas.

Grade (Strenuous )

These treks must be fully supported. We climb to altitudes between 3500 and 5000m. & there are overnight stays at altitudes above 4000m. For this trek, trekkers should be fit & enthusiastic hill walkers prepared to tackle difficult terrain in remote areas.

Grade (Very Strenuous)

This trek is best described as Alpine, and suitable is suitable for those in excellent health, capable of carrying a backpack, when required. The trek covers very remote areas, traveling over snow-covered passes at an altitudes of up to 6500m. You will need to axes and crampons. No strenuous trek should be undertaken without medical clearance.